Kathleen Akbar

Science has provided me with a way to both challenge myself and gain confidence. Beginning as an undergraduate student at Smith College before transferring to Vassar College, I enrolled in biology, chemistry, and physics courses. I found that, instead of being intimidating, the harder classes captivated my interest, and the material became easier once I could break it down into small, manageable parts. Once I understood the class material, I wanted all my classmates to understand, so I began organizing study sessions and reviews before exams. 

Following my graduation, I obtained my PhD in chemical oceanography at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The PhD program provided me with new challenges to solve problems that could not be answered in a book. For the past 15 years, I have explored the limits of my own understanding while striving to increase our knowledge of contaminants in the environment in laboratories, on ships, and on shore in the US, Canada, and Europe. Throughout this time, I enjoyed sharing science with students of all ages while teaching classes, mentoring, and volunteering for outreach activities.

Those experiences led me to tutoring, as I discovered a love for sharing my passion with others and encouraging them in pursuing their own paths. I especially enjoy working with students who have interests outside of science and witnessing how they develop self-reliance and confidence through problem solving. I also love the challenge of identifying what study methods work best for each student.

When not tucked away in my local library branch, I enjoy running, prefer bicycling to driving, and regularly misidentify birds while walking with my husband.